Middle East

Sail and Cruise

There are a growing number of
marinas and yacht clubs
throughout Malaysia where it's
possible to tighten the
mainsail, tug on a halyard,
hoist a spinnaker and let the
tropical breezes take you to
new and exciting destinations.

Situated between one and seven
degrees north of the Equator,
Malaysia enjoys mostly balmy
weather all year round. The
wet northeast monsoon blows
from November to March, along
the East Coast of the
Peninsular as well as Sarawak
and Sabah.

Even during this season, there
are periods of fine weather
and smooth seas. The southwest
monsoon blows from April to
October. Generally, westbound
yachters travel during the
northeast monsoon and those
travelling east, during the
southwest.

Historically, it has been at
the centre of regional
maritime trade and this
continues today. The Straits
of Malacca on the West Coast
is the main route taken by
yachters travelling from
Australia to Thailand, Africa
and Europe.

The East Coast is much quieter
with many islands offering
excellent places to moor,
relax, scuba dive and stock up
on essential requirements. The
main ports here are Mersing,
Kuantan, Kuala Dungun, Marang,
and Kuala Terengganu while the
enchanting islands of Tioman,
Perhentian, Redang and Kapas
also provide basic
services.

East Malaysia is becoming
increasingly popular for
yachting and as a stopover for
boaters from distant shores.
Those arriving in Sabah from
the east can sail westward
around the coast stopping at
exciting destinations before
continuing towards Peninsular
Malaysia.

Key Tips

Visiting yachters need to check in at each new port where the officials are welcoming, English is understood by most and paperwork is straightforward.

The Immigration, Marine, Customs and Health Departments (the latter if quarantine procedures are required) and Harbour Master must be visited upon arrival in Malaysia.

Yachters will need to produce crew passports, original boat registration certificate, boat stamp (if any) and port clearance papers from the last port of call.